Here it is - the first Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe in common. This book is the catechism (the word means "instruction") that will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes, and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives by (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Here is a positive, coherent, and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is, as Pope John Paul II calls it, "a special gift."